Stirrup leathers an fenders

[Timbo]

Timbo,

I thought that britchen was pretty popular in Colorado(at least that's what I was told) and that back cinches were almost required in the mountains out there...Anyway, I think you'll be more satisfied with using the rigging ring either way you go.

The only thing I see them used on is pack horses. That's all we use them for at the ranch I work for. None of the guides use anything other than just a normal cinch and breast collar when they go into the mountains. This past summer I learned the hardway about getting a "good deal" on a cinch/breast collar set. (note to self: spend lots on a cinch)

tim

[kseidel]

The reason for the breast collar dees to be hung higher is to keep the collar above the point of the shoulder. If you use a dropped front rigging, it is too low to attach a breast collar. The collar will fall off of the horses shoulder and wear off the hair during regular riding. It will hold ok during hard climbs, but will affect the movement of the horses leg and shoulder, and jerk your saddle uncomfortably.

A properly fitting tree will not require the breast collar to hold the saddle in place nearly as much as an ill fitting one. I seldom use a collar anymore, even when riding in the steep mountains of Wyoming. I only use one for all day roping like at a branding or ranch roping. My rigging is hung low and my breast collar is Y shaped and attaches to dees hung higher on the saddle.

Tying the stirrup leathers together at the tpo of the fender and below the tree in any way, whether riveting or with a loop, will severly restrict forward movement. The only way that this would work is to attach both stirrup leather and fender together and attach on a pivot point on the top side of the bar. Visalia had an attachment like this in the 20,s and 30's. The tail was longer at the bottom of the fender and cut up into the bottom of the fender to allow for adjustment... much like Fallis Balanced Ride saddles. Fallis balanced ride saddles

Keith